Stephen Dunmoye
The 2022 FIFA World Cup has continued to provide us with shocks, as many of the biggest nations have been knocked out by the so-called smaller nations at various stages of the competition.
Now, as we enter the semifinal stage of the world’s biggest competition, could we be about to see a surprise nation win the biggest prize on offer?
Morocco on top of their games, broke records
Unless you have been living under a rock or simply cannot stand football, then you will know all about Morocco’s exploits at this year’s competition. The African side has upset a number of European giants in their fairytale story, while also setting history at the same time.
The coach – Walid Regragui – has only been in charge of the group of players for three months after the Football Association decided to terminate the former boss’ position due to how combustible he was and how he had fallen out with two of the country’s top players and was potentially set to leave them out of the squad. Since he took charge, Regragui has guided the North African country to become the first team from the continent to reach the semifinals of the FIFA World Cup in history.
In order to do that, they have managed to record impressive wins against European opponents, with each of them having been considered among the elite. They defeated Belgium in the Group Stage of the competition before they eliminated Spain in the Round of 16 on penalties. After achieving what seemed impossible, they managed to do it again as they sent Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal home from Qatar in the quarterfinals. Now, they will face France for a place in the Final.
Croatia continue to show their true colours
Croatians reached the Final in 2018 – where they were beaten by France 4-2 – and they are just one match away from doing that again this winter.
The nation has managed to get the job done by coming through their Group alongside Morocco, before eliminating both Japan and Brazil on penalties. They have been rewarded with a semifinal tie against Lionel Messi and Argentina, though, which will ultimately prove to be their toughest test, especially with the South Americans among the chief favorites to win the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Argentina and France are the main favorites
Of course, when looking at things on paper, Argentina and France are the clear favorites to win the 2022 FIFA World Cup. However, when it comes down to football, we should all recognize that nothing is as black and white as that. As highlighted, there have been multiple shocks throughout this year’s tournament, and with anything possible, it really would not be a surprise if we were to see at least one more in the final three major games to be played (excluding the third-placed game).
However, sports bettors who have been further enhancing their experiences of this year’s World Cup event in one of the best ways they know how will also tell you that not everything is as easy as paper would perhaps suggest. In fact, when placing wagers on the games that have taken place already, many will point out that there have been things to look out for. Indeed, with many changes in the odds to win the World Cup, punters in Canada and around the world are going to want to continue to ensure they are using the best sportsbooks and bonuses available to ensure they can continue to get the best odds and value for the bets that they want to make.
Nonetheless, for those wagering on the games to take place, it would be almost impossible to overlook Argentina and France. Both nations have been able to overcome a poor result in the Group Stage and have shown when it matters that they know how to get the job done.
Each country has a number of quality players who have each played in the biggest competitions before and with stars such as Paris Saint-Germain teammates Messi and Kylian Mbappe on their teams, all that is needed is just one moment of magic. If one of these individuals – or any of the 22 players that are on the pitch at the time (if no one has been shown red) – can produce just one of these moments, there will be many that will feel that they can edge out Croatia and Morocco respectively.
More shocks still in hanging
Obviously, it is important not to count out any more shocks from happening, with so many having been experienced in this tournament already. While the 2022 FIFA World Cup might be remembered for so many wrong reasons away from the pitch, there have been some incredible moments to have happened on it.
We witnessed Argentina be defeated by Saudi Arabia in their first Group Game, Morocco defeat Belgium, Japan beat both Germany and Spain, as well as Tunisia defeat France, and Cameroon conquer Brazil all in the Group Stages. Of course, many will remember that Belgium and Germany both failed to get out of their groups, too.
The knockout stages also provided shocks, too, as we saw Morocco defeat both Spain and Portugal, Croatia defeat Brazil on penalties. Argentina almost experienced their own shock when they were taken to penalties by the Netherlands when they were seemingly heading for the win in normal time, too.
Who wins the 2022 FIFA World Cup?
As mentioned beforehand, it would be extremely hard to see either Argentina or France get beat in their semifinals, although it is not impossible. Nonetheless, we believe this is what the final will be, rather than a repeat of the 2018 edition or perhaps even having the first finalist or even a potential winner from Africa.
Should the two teams expected to meet in the final do so, it will likely be a moment of magic from either Messi or Mbappe that decides the game, thus ultimately seeing their country being crowned the World Cup champions.
